Symptoms

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease

The symptoms of mitral valve disease vary for the two general forms: mitral regurgitation/insufficiency (including mitral valve prolapse) and mitral stenosis. Symptoms may include:

Mitral valve Insufficiency/regurgitation

The primary symptoms of mitral valve insufficiency/regurgitation may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue and exercise intolerance
  • A rapid, fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Chest pain

Mitral valve prolapse

Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse can be mild or develop gradually. They include:

  • A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain

Mitral valve stenosis

For some, the primary and often only symptom of mitral stenosis is shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, the heart weakens as it struggles to get blood through a small, stiff valve opening. Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough due to fluid on the lungs (pulmonary edema)
  • A rapid, fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Swollen feet or legs
  • Blood clots
  • Chest pain

Meet the Mitral Valve Disease Team

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a nationally recognized destination for those who require highly specialized cardiovascular care.